Port Stephens Council cracks down on illegal dumping

Port Stephens council is having success in its crack down on Illegal waste dumping across the shire, with 22 offenders caught during the first three months of the year.

The Coordinator of Environmental Health and Compliance Marc Goodall says a project funded by the State Government has helped the council to concentrate its efforts on catching offenders.

He says illegal dumpers have been made to wear the cost of the clean up, rather than ratepayers.

"The results of the first quarter have been particularly impressive with 30 investigations carried out and 22 of those have actually resulted in the polluter being held accountable for illegal waste dumping and the cost to council being shifted onto the polluter rather than the council," he said.

Mr Goodall says the State Government funded project is proving so successful, he has been approached by other councils seeking help.

"The exciting thing about this position for Port Stephens council is the fact that it is unique that we are the only council that has a position solely dedicated to illegal waste dumping and we've begun a market leader in illegal waste dumping to the point where our illegal waste dumping officer is being recognised by other councils," he said.